local
‘Salami slicing’: How China is trying to increase control in the Pacific
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 25, 2026
· 9 min read
By Brad Lendon, Sylvie Zhuang, Wayne Chang, CNN
(CNN) — In a span of just a few weeks, China’s ships have carried out “law enforcement” activities farther from its mainland than ever before, mapped a highly sensitive seabed and conducted “research” inside a highly contested lagoon more than 500...
Key takeaway Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight project at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, which focuses on China’s gray-zone tactics, called it the “Bashi Breakout.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The recent Chinese maritime maneuvers in the Pacific may seem distant from El Paso , but they have significant implications for the city's role in international trade and commerce. As a major transportation hub, El Paso is crucial for the movement of goods between the US and Asia. Any escalation of tensions in the Pacific could potentially disrupt global supply chains, affecting local businesses and the economy. Furthermore, the US military's presence in the Pacific and its commitment to defending Taiwan and other allies could lead to increased military activity and deployments from nearby Fort Bliss, which could have a ripple effect on the local community. El Pasoans should be aware of these developments and their potential impact on the city's economic and military landscape. The city's leaders should also be prepared to address any consequences of increased tensions in the Pacific on local trade and commerce.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 9 min
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What is this story about? By Brad Lendon, Sylvie Zhuang, Wayne Chang, CNN
(CNN) — In a span of just a few weeks, China’s ships have carried out “law enforcement” activities farther from its mainland than ever before, mapped a highly sensitive seabed and conducted “research” inside a highly contested lagoon more than 500...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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